THE SUNSHINE COAST NEWSPAPER COLUMN - HEATHCOTE'S HONOUR IS A WIN FOR QUEENSLAND

By Graham Potter | Sunday, December 1, 2013

Graham Potter writes a weekly column for the Sunshine Coast daily. Due to demand from those having trouble accessing the paper these columns are now also published on HRO courtesy of the Sunshine Coast daily

When Robert Heathcote was named the Victorian Racing Media Association’s Personality Of The Year last Monday it represented a significant achievement on the part of Queensland’s multiple Premiership winning trainer, not just for himself but for the state he represents.

‘Personality Of The Year’ might not seem that prestigious to some but for Heathcote to win an ‘out of state’ award speaks volumes for his work ethic, character and business methodology.

In any sport it is not easy to beat quality opposition in their own backyard and to get the vote over fellow finalists of the calibre of Waterhouse, Waller, Moody and Boss underlines just how great an impression Heathcote made on members of the Victoria’s racing media and, by implication then, how important a contribution he has made in lifting the profile of Queensland racing.

***************************************************************************************************

While gratified with that recognition, Heathcote believes he is only doing what every stakeholder should be doing to promote their industry and his message is one well worth noting.

“It certainly is a reward for me personally for the efforts I believe I put into the industry with regards to the media but, having said that, I believe it is incumbent upon all in the industry … not just trainers but jockeys, administrators and race-clubs … to play a part in terms of positive promotion,” said Heathcote.

“We have to push this boat, so to speak, for the betterment of our own industry. That’s something I’ve always tried to do.

“These days you’ve got to sell this great industry so by being available, helping and co-operating with the media you are helping yourself and the industry.”

***************************************************************************************************

Heathcote remains a realist though. He is well aware that his high profile gives him greater opportunity to put his message into practise and he is equally aware that profile can change its status in the blink of an eye … so there won’t be any let up in the ‘hard work’ stakes.

“When you are acknowledged like this there is a lot of personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement but life doesn’t change,” Heathcote said.

“I get up at three every morning except one day a week when I sleep in … until four o’clock … and that, of course will still be the case.

“It’s obviously been a very good time with Buffering’s three Group 1’s. The feeling of winning the Manikato, in the sense of relief, was extraordinary and then to back it up with the Sprint and then an incredible week in Perth was amazing.

“You’ve got to be mindful of the fact though that, if I’m working sixty-odd horses and you take Buffering, Fire Up Fifi and Solzhenitzen out of it, it means there are fifty-seven others that we have got to try and get to perform to their best.

“That challenge will always be there so there is very little time to reflect on any success either in terms of results or awards. You just never know what happens next.

“That’s why it is best to stay humble.”

More articles